Book excerpt: Min Jin Lee explores family, education and the pressure to succeed

A family meets the staff

Helen arrives with her children, who wear their Sunday clothes. The boys understand that their sister’s interview matters and show her support. Helen brings the children’s report cards from Sydney. She says their recent quiz and test grades do not show what they are capable of. A staff member says all three will be assessed, then takes the children to meet Dr. Song.

The limits of success

Tom considers how difficult it can be to turn down parents. Some offer more money, while others contact a more prominent parent when their requests are refused. These efforts, he thinks, only make the situation more awkward.

Although Tom once wrote his doctoral dissertation on education reformers, he questions the status attached to private tutoring. He believes his center can still make a difference by providing useful education and care.

Plans for the children

Helen says DH hopes to study in America, though she worries that it may be difficult. She emphasizes that the children’s grades matter wherever they pursue their education.

Book and interview details

The excerpt is from “American Hagwon” by Min Jin Lee, published by Cardinal, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. The book is available in hardcover, large print trade paperback, eBook and audio formats.

CBS News promotes an interview with Lee by Jo Ling Kent on “CBS Sunday Morning” November 15. The publisher notice also mentions an Audible 30-day free trial.